Dubbo’s Toni Fernando said she never imagined in her wildest dreams that she would run a marathon but that’s exactly what she will do on Sunday.
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The 46-year-old is a member of the Dubbo Stampede committee and has previously completed the 10-kilometre event twice and a half marathon.
Along with training partner Helen Yeo, Toni will now tackle the full 42.2-kilometre distance, along with at least 52 other competitors.
“It’s not something I ever thought I would do. I’m part of the Vixens and Kits [A Dubbo women’s walking group] and Bonnie Tratt is our leader. She said about 17 weeks ago that if anyone wanted to do their first marathon she would support them,” she said.
“I thought about it and my family didn’t tell me I was crazy so I started training 16 weeks ago.”
Toni got involved with the committee after injury in 2015 forced her withdraw and she volunteered instead.
Initially Toni thought the marathon would be a one-off but has enjoyed it so much, she is keeping her options open.
Toni and Helen have been using a training program to prepare and having done some long runs, Toni said she feels they are ready to tackle it.
“We’ve used John Robins’ completer program which is on the Stampede website. It’s not based on time, I just want to complete it and do it within the six hours,” she said.
Anyone interested in signing up to the Dubbo Stampede should visit www.dubbostampede.com.au to register. Online registrations close on August 26.
